Easy Way to Sync GIF Photos from iPhone to Mac

In iOS 10, when you save GIF images on your iPhone or iPad, GIFs will turn into typical still images. However, the upgraded iOS 11 enables you to keep GIF pictures in its original format on your iPhone and iPad. In case of losing those cute and interesting GIF photos, it is recommended to transfer GIF pictures from iPhone to Mac. This article will show you different methods to backup GIF images from iPhone to Mac computer.

In fact, Mac is not able to play GIFs directly, so this article will also show you some tricks to preview GIFs on Mac with no need to download third-party apps. Please read on to check the details.

Part 1. How to Share GIF Images from iPhone to Mac via AirDrop
Part 2. How to Transfer GIF Pictures from iPhone to Mac/Windows PC without restrictions
Part 3. How to Preview GIF Pictures on Mac Computer

1. How to Share GIF Images from iPhone to Mac via AirDrop

To move GIFs to Mac, you can consider to use AirDrop to do the job. However, you need to make sure both of your iPhone and Mac support AirDrop. Your iPhone should be running iOS 8 or later like iPhone X/8 Plus/8/7 Plus/7/6s Plus and etc. while your Mac is running macOS X Yosemite (10.10) or later. Either of them does not support AirDrop, you can not use AirDrop to transfer files between iPhone and Mac.

Here's how to move GIFs to Mac from iPhone:

Step 1. Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both of Mac and iPhone device.

Step 2. On Mac, open AirDrop by click "Finder" > "Go" > "AirDrop". Then select "Everyone" in "Allow me to be discovered by" section on the bottom.

Step 3. On iPhone, open "Photos" app and select the desired GIF photos that you want to backup to Mac.

Step 4. Tap Share icon on the bottom of iPhone screen and the choose the icon of your Mac under the "Tap to share with AirDrop" section.

Step 5. Then your Mac might prompt you to click "Accept", "Decline" or "Open in Photos" option according to your needs.

open airdrop on mac to share gifs from iphone to mac

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2. How to Transfer GIF Pictures from iPhone to Mac/Windows PC Easily

AirDrop has its limitation for some earlier iOS device and Mac computer, and AirDrop does not support Windows PC as well. However, with the GIF Image Transfer for iOS - Coolmuster iOS Assistant (Windows/Mac), you can easily transfer GIF pictures from iPhone to Mac in its original format, and it can backup GIF images to Windows PC as well without any restrictions.

And this program is fully compatible with almost of all version of iPhone/iPad/iPod, Mac and Windows PC, including iPhone 8/8 Plus/X/7 Plus/7/6/6 Plus/5S/5C/5 in iOS 11/10/9/8/7/6 and etc. Below are the free trials of the program in Mac and Windows version, please download the right version on your computer to backup GIFs right now.

Steps to sync GIF pictures from iPhone to Mac:

Step 1. Download, install and launch the Coolmuster iOS Assistant on your Mac computer, and connect your iPhone to Mac with a USB cord. For successfully detecting your iPhone, please install the latest iTunes on your Mac at first.

connect iphone to mac to share gif pictures

Step 2. When the program detects your iPhone, please click "Photos" tab to load your iPhone photos. Then select the desired GIF pictures you want to transfer while previewing, then click "Export" button to save GIF pictures on your Mac all at once.

transfer gif photos from iphone to mac

So easy, right? Except GIf photos, you can also manage (import, export, edit, delete, view and etc.) the other types of iOS data with Coolmuster iOS Assistant on your Mac or Windows PC, including contacts, messages, notes, calendars, music, photos, videos, books, apps and etc. Just give it a try of the free trial right now.

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3. How to Preview GIF Pictures on Mac Computer

Currently, Mac does not support to view GIF images directly. So you need some tricks to see GIF images on Mac. Please check it out in following part.

#Way 1:

Step 1. Locate the GIF picture(s) on Mac on Downloads folder or other folders.

Step 2. Left-click one time on the GIF image. Remember that don't directly open it or double click it.

Step 3. Then press the "Space" key on the keyboard. Thus you can see the GIF appears.

view gif image on mac

#Way 2:

Step 1. Open the file folder that contains the GIF pictures you want to see.

Step 2. Double click to open one certain GIF photo.

Step 3. Now this photo is still, it becomes dynamic when you keep holding the "↑" or "↓" on keyboard. This is because the dynamic effect is made up of series of still image.

how to view gif pictures on mac